The Down Syndrome Association of Toronto (DSAT) Board of Directors is made up of volunteers who are committed to the vision and mission of the association. These volunteers have a personal or professional relationship to people with Down syndrome. Each year nominations are accepted for vacant Board positions and new Board members are elected at the Annual General Meeting.
OUR TEAM
DAVID OTANEZ - PRESIDENT
David came to DSAT to help create a better future and environment for his youngest child who was born with Down Syndrome. With a background as a VP for an investment firm, and longtime student and teacher of martial arts, he believes in advocating and standing for those with special needs.
MIKE WEIR - TREASURER
Mike is a Portfolio Manager with Guardian Capital in Toronto and the volunteer Treasurer of DSAT. Michael has 3 children and became involved with DSAT shortly after his daughter Kimberly was born with Down Syndrome in 1992. Kimberly has made many friends through DSAT and its programs like Dance Rock.
JONATHAN HUGHES
Jonathan works as a web developer for a major hospital in downtown Toronto and has been involved with DSAT since 2011. He became involved with DSAT shortly after his daughter’s birth, volunteering his web development skills to build the current DSAT website you see today. As an IT professional, Jonathan helps DSAT take advantage of today’s technologies to help keep members informed of the various programs and services within the DSAT community.
RICHARD CARTER
Bio is coming soon!
NISHA HASAN
Nisha’s passion for advocacy and wanting to do more is influenced by her younger brother with Down syndrome. She is a marketing and communications specialist working in the mining industry. Speaking to thousands of investors globally, she joined the Down Syndrome Association of Toronto’s board to share her networking skills, connect with supporters and advance the organizations mission. Nisha is committed to raising awareness and challenging the stigma associated with disability.
ROBERT LEWIS
Robert is a graphic designer and illustrator for film and television. He joined the DSAT Board after years of enjoying the organization’s many activities and events with his growing twin boys (one of whom, Nathaniel, was born with DS). He welcomes the opportunity to work with experts, educators, and above all, the many families of our community to exchange experiences and ideas, improve public perception and awareness, and enrich the lives of those living with Down Syndrome.
FRANCES FINTANOPOULOS
Frances has been publicly supporting and advocating on behalf of her brother, who has Down Syndrome, from a young age. She is passionate about raising awareness and creating a better future for those with Down Syndrome.
NANCY HOWSON
Nancy first became involved with DSAT as a Volunteer photographer , 9 years ago, She has been working as the Outreach Coordinator, for the past 7.5 . Nancy works in conjunction with the Board to help develop, Children’s Programs focusing on giving children the opportunity to enhance and gain new skills.
Nancy works with families to make sure that they are referred to outside services when required. She has also worked in conjunction with members of the Board to establish partnerships with agencies that help to facilitate necessary referrals, to assist the DSAT community
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LORISA GRAYSTONE
Lorisa began her journey with DSAT as a volunteer back in 2017 as a way to feel connected to her cousin Blake, who was a dual diagnosis of Down Syndrome and Autism, that lives in California. With her management and administrative background, she wanted to use her skills to help advocate for and connect the DS community. After being a dedicated volunteer, she became DSAT’s Event and Volunteer Coordinator. Lorisa develops and facilitates many of the programs that DSAT offers and is constantly looking for ways in which our community can make new friends, explore their passions and creativity and show the world that they are capable of.